def-i-ni-tion (def' e-nish' en) n. 1. The act of defining a word, phrase, or term. 2. The act of making clear and distinct. 3. A determining of outline, extent, or limits.
Consider the following guidelines as you write your definition essay:
Make your essay personal, amusing, vigorous, stimulating, memorable.
Types of Definitions Traditionally Used in Definition Essays
Any combination of these traditional types of definitions can help clarify meaning for the reader of your definition essay:
Analysis: Divide the subject into parts and define each part separately.
Classification: According to dictionary definitions, what classes does the subject belong to?
Comparison: The unfamiliar may be defined by showing its likeness to the familiar or its difference from it.
Details: What are the physical characteristics, traditional thoughts, and other distinguishing attributes that describe the subject of the paper?
Examples and Incidents: Narrate illustrations that can clarify a group, theory, or object.
Negation: Mention what it is not in order to clear the ground for what it is.
Origins and Causes: Where did the subject come from? What is the background information? What is the history of the subject?
Results, Effects, and Uses: Discuss the consequences and uses of the subject.
Support the Thesis
3 Possibilities 1) Concrete Sensory Details - using the senses (sight, sound, taste, smell, touch)
Use these with Definition Essays
2) Data/Statistics - numbers
(We will be using data/statistics later in the semester when we get to our research-oriented papers - Cause/Effect and Persuasive)
3) Expert Testimony - quoting authorities in the field
(As with data/statistics, we will also use expert testimony with the research-oriented papers - Cause/Effect and Persuasive)
Personal Narrative Essay Rubric
Emerging 1-2 Standard 3-4 Above Standard 5-6
Document Format
Narrative is required length (2-4 pages) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Narrative uses MLA format 1 2 3 4 5 6
Narrative accurately uploaded on Wiki page 1 2 3 4 5 6
Ideas
Writer explains why this experience is significant 1 2 3 4 5 6
Writer responds to topic "Beauty Is..." 1 2 3 4 5 6
Writer uses specific personal experiences 1 2 3 4 5 6
Organization
Introduction creates interest in topic 1 2 3 4 5 6
Conclusion effectively reminds reader of topic and experience 1 2 3 4 5 6
Voice
Tone is appropriate to content 1 2 3 4 5 6
Personality of the reader is present 1 2 3 4 5 6
Word choice
Words are specific and accurate 1 2 3 4 5 6
Sensory images and figurative language
engage the reader 1 2 3 4 5 6
Conventions
All words spelled correctly 1 2 3 4 5 6
Punctuation, capitalization is accurate 1 2 3 4 5 6
Grammar & usage correct 1 2 3 4 5 6
Consider the following guidelines as you write your definition essay:
Types of Definitions Traditionally Used in Definition Essays
Any combination of these traditional types of definitions can help clarify meaning for the reader of your definition essay:3 Possibilities
1) Concrete Sensory Details - using the senses (sight, sound, taste, smell, touch)
Use these with Definition Essays
2) Data/Statistics - numbers
(We will be using data/statistics later in the semester when we get to our research-oriented papers - Cause/Effect and Persuasive)
3) Expert Testimony - quoting authorities in the field
(As with data/statistics, we will also use expert testimony with the research-oriented papers - Cause/Effect and Persuasive)
Emerging 1-2 Standard 3-4 Above Standard 5-6
Document Format
Narrative is required length (2-4 pages) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Narrative uses MLA format 1 2 3 4 5 6
Narrative accurately uploaded on Wiki page 1 2 3 4 5 6
Ideas
Writer explains why this experience is significant 1 2 3 4 5 6
Writer responds to topic "Beauty Is..." 1 2 3 4 5 6
Writer uses specific personal experiences 1 2 3 4 5 6
Organization
Introduction creates interest in topic 1 2 3 4 5 6
Conclusion effectively reminds reader of topic and experience 1 2 3 4 5 6
Voice
Tone is appropriate to content 1 2 3 4 5 6
Personality of the reader is present 1 2 3 4 5 6
Word choice
Words are specific and accurate 1 2 3 4 5 6
Sensory images and figurative language
engage the reader 1 2 3 4 5 6
Conventions
All words spelled correctly 1 2 3 4 5 6
Punctuation, capitalization is accurate 1 2 3 4 5 6
Grammar & usage correct 1 2 3 4 5 6
Overall: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Thanks to Literacy Education